Feast: October 5
Title: Martyrs
Era: 6th century
Location: Sicily
Historical Background
Saint Placid (Placidus) was a young Roman noble, born into a distinguished family. As a child, he was offered by his parents to Saint Benedict of Nursia, founder of Western monasticism, to be raised in the monastic life — following the practice of oblati, or child-offering. Placid became one of Saint Benedict’s earliest disciples, along with Saint Maurus.
Placid’s obedience, humility, and zeal made him a model monk even in his youth. Saint Gregory the Great recounts that once Placid fell into a lake while fetching water, and Saint Benedict, through divine inspiration, sent Saint Maurus to rescue him — a famous episode showing the miracles wrought through obedience and faith.
Mission to Sicily
Later, Saint Benedict sent Placid to Sicily, near Messina, to establish a monastery on lands belonging to his family. There, Placid and a group of fellow monks lived the Rule of Saint Benedict in peace, prayer, and labor, radiating holiness among the island’s people.
However, during a time of unrest — some sources attribute it to a Moorish incursion or local brigands — Placid and his companions were captured and ordered to renounce Christ. Their steadfast confession of the Faith led to their martyrdom.
The Martyrdom
According to tradition, the martyrs included:
- Saint Placid, abbot
- Saint Eutychius, monk
- Saint Victorinus, monk
- Saint Donatus, monk
- Saint Firmatus, deacon
- Saint Faustus, monk
- Saint Flavia, Placid’s sister (a consecrated virgin)
They were tortured and put to death for refusing to abandon their faith in Christ. Their blood sanctified Sicilian soil, and devotion to them spread rapidly through Italy and the Benedictine Order.
Spiritual Significance
Saint Placid and his companions exemplify:
- Obedience to one’s spiritual father (Placid’s complete trust in Saint Benedict)
- Faithfulness in mission (bringing monastic life to new lands)
- Courage in persecution (martyrdom for Christ)
Their story bridges the contemplative and the apostolic dimensions of monastic life — showing that true discipleship often leads from the cloister to the cross.
Liturgical Commemoration
In the Traditional Roman Martyrology (October 5th):
At Messina in Sicily, the holy martyrs Placid, monk, disciple of the blessed abbot Benedict, and his brothers Eutychius and Victorinus, and their sisters Flavia and Donatus, who were slain for the faith by the pirates.
Prayer
Collect (Traditional):
O God, Who dost gladden us with the yearly festival of blessed Placid and his companions, Thy holy martyrs; mercifully grant that we may be inflamed by the examples of those in whose merits we rejoice.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.